Newcomer scoops fundraiser of the year at Scottish conference

Connal Cochrane, charity foundation manager at Rangers Football Club, won the Fundraiser of the Year award at the 17th annual Institute of Fundraising Awards at the organisation's Scottish conference yesterday.

Connal Cochrane with Kate Higgins of the FRSB Scotland

Described as a relative newcomer to the sector, Cochrane was chosen by judges for his outstanding contribution to his organisation and to the sector as a whole. After-dinner speaker Rod MacCowan highlighted Cochrane's success in doubling his charity's surplus in three years and his commitment to taking on fundraising challenges in his spare time.

The award was one of four presented by MacCowan in front of an audience of fundraisers at last night's ceremony.

The prize for Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year went to Elizabeth Sandford from the Meningitis Trust. She was recognised for her ability to inspire people of all ages through her professionalism in event organising.

Sense Scotland was awarded the prize for best direct marketing and communications for its Holiday Appeal. Entries to the category are judged on their use of the full spectrum of communications, including print, electronic media and telephone or text. The Sense Scotland Holiday Appeal was carried out entirely in-house, keeping costs low and resulting in a return on investment of 7.2 to one.

The Partnership Fundraising Award went to the Million £ Challenge 2007 and the HBOS Foundation. The judges thought the partnership had demonstrated successful use of SMS and online media and shown best practice through involvement of trustees, staff and beneficiaries across a broad section of charitable activity. Quarriers was highly commended its work with the Taganka Children's Fund.

Have you registered with us yet?

Already registered?

If you see a comment you find offensive, you can flag it as inappropriate. In the top right-hand corner of an individual comment, you will see 'flag as inappropriate'. Clicking this prompts us to review the comment. For further information see our rules for commenting on articles.